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Field Trials

Simon Morse


This event is in the past. This is an archive page for reference.
Field Trials at Tara Bryan Gallery

In this, the first in an occasional series of shows for emerging artists to showcase new ideas and experimental works, Simon Morse will present a series of large-scale images of hand-held and portable devices.

Bearing all the hallmarks of rugged gizmos and control units for use 'in the field', Morse's fictional machines nevertheless defy identification. The buttons, pegboards, flip-switches and displays all appear to have specific functions, each labelled and grouped, connected and positioned in order to execute predefined procedures, but what these procedures might be remains hidden. Their absurd conflations of the peaceful ('Prize Pot', 'Gamble', 'Push For Talks') and the not so peaceful ('Fire', 'BMB'), and their highly restricted and specialised inputting options, offer a satirical critique of the interplay of language, technology and intention.

Language shapes the technology we create; the hard-wired option set that extends from the technology in turn reshapes the world. However, because the world is complex (relatively) and the technology is simple (relatively) the range of possible outcomes may be beyond the gamut imagined for the technology (and beyond the possibilities of language). The world thus changed engenders, or makes possible, or makes necessary, new or more complex (and less accessible) language and new technology. The chain continues in this fashion, ending ultimately either in life or (as Morse believes) more probably considering the relative complexities involved, in death.

Simon Morse is an MA graduate of Chelsea College of Art & Design. His recent solo shows include 'We Do What We Do Best Best' at Jerwood Space and 'The Marxist Magicians Film the Communist Manifesto' at Shoreditch Town Hall. His recent group shows include 'Kiosk: Modes of Multiplication' at the ICA, 'Perspective 2005' at Ormeau Baths Gallery in Belfast and 'Emergency' at Aspex Gallery in Portsmouth.

Where

Tara Bryan Gallery
10 Marshalsea Road, London, SE1 1HL
infowhat's on @map

FREE

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This event is in the past. This is an archive page for reference.
 
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